The 115 cardinals of the Catholic Church on Wednesday, after a full day of conclave, chose Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as its next spiritual leader, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church. Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis, is an Argentinian and was not among the favorites to ascend to the chair of St. Peter.

In a move that surprised many church watchers, the spiritual leader of the more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday that he would step down as pope on Feb. 28. A new leader is expected by the end of March.

In a move that surprised many church watchers, the spiritual leader of the more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Benedict XVI announced on Monday that he would step down as pope on Feb. 28. A new leader is expected by the end of March.

The 115 cardinals of the Catholic Church on Wednesday, after a full day of conclave, chose Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as its next spiritual leader, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church. Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis, is an Argentinian and was not among the favorites to ascend to the chair of St. Peter.